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Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks (99) does a little dance after a big play against the San Diego Chargers during the first half of an NFL football game in Jacksonville, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013.

Jaguars defensive tackle Sen’DerrickMarks played 11 snaps last Friday night, normal for a veteran in the first preseason game.

Marks, though, didn’t want to come out.

“I sort of got in a zone,’’ he said. “With every call, I knew where the opening was at. I knew what everybody around me was doing. I don’t care if it was the preseason or not, it was fun to go against another team. It was fun to go with the guys and actually see that we did jell together.

“Once you put the pads on and the lights come on and it’s game time, you forget it’s an exhibition game.’’

It was the debut of the Jaguars’ new veteran defensive line consisting of four free agents, two signed last year and two this year, and they were dominating against Tampa Bay.

Marks helped collapse the Tampa Bay offensive line and got to quarterback Josh McCown twice. The first hit forced an incomplete pass, the second forced a fumble although McCown grabbed it and went seven yards.

Now Marks hopes to continue that momentum Thursday night in Chicago. The Bears are likely to present a more formidable challenge.

“Any time you remember it’s an exhibition game and you don’t try to play as hard, that’s probably a time when you shouldn’t be out there because you don’t have a love for the game. I have a love for the game,’’ Marks said.

Building a line without overpaying

Marks and defensive tackle Roy Miller were signed a year ago from Tampa Bay and Tennessee. The Jaguars added the two ends, Chris Clemons and Red Bryant, this year from Seattle.

They are showing that a good defensive line can be built in free agency without huge contracts by picking players that fit a system.

Marks only got a 1-year, $1.5 million deal a year ago, but then was signed to a new 4-year, $18 year deal with a game left last season to keep him off the market.

“It’s not like I was a Pro Bowl player, a dominating player at the time,’’ Marks said of his time with the Titans. “It’s not like I had 30 teams that wanted my services. I figured it was a great fit to come down here.’’

Miller said he felt Tampa Bay tried to limit his snaps in 2012 as he was about to become a free agent.

“I feel they disrespected me,’’ Miller said. “I wanted to play for someone that wanted me.’’

Miller he said he felt like the Jaguars were a good fit because he played for current Jacksonville defensive line coach Todd Wash in Tampa Bay.

Miller signed a two-year deal for $4.5 million and was slowed by injuries last year although he started 14 games. He figures to be more of a force this year now that he’s healthy.

Bryant said he and Clemons were expendable in Seattle because, “They’ve got so much young talent and they wanted to take the money out of the defensive line room and give it to the defensive backs and, rightfully so. You can’t pay everybody.’’

Bryant’s contract is for $19 million over four years; Clemons’ is for $17.5 million over four years.

Fleming seeks spot

Cornerback Jamell Fleming, originally drafted by Arizona in the third round in 2012, was waived one game into last season and claimed by the Jaguars. He played in eight games and is now trying to win a spot as a backup in the secondary.

He helped himself in the opener when he knocked down two passes in a row on the Bucs’ third- and second-to-last offensive plays.

“Those two plays he made at the end were really good plays, exactly how he should play it,’’ said Jaguars coach Gus Bradley.

“I think I have a better shot than last year,’’ Fleming said. “I’m out there battling every day trying to get better.’’

Secondary coach DeWayne Walker said, “He’s been fighting his tail off in practice. It was nice to see him make two nice plays at the end of the game and he tackled well, too.’’

Punt return candidate

Denard Robinson may get a look as a punt returner again.

When Bradley talked about what happened when they tried him in the role last year, he said, “He was like, well …”

It’s different this year. The Jaguars like what they’ve seen of Robinson returning punts in camp practices.

“He’s fast. He’s explosive. He’s got a chance. So we may take a look at him in that part,’’ Bradley said.

Etc.

The Jaguars signed veteran center Antoine Caldwell to replace center Matt Stankiewitch, who was waived/injured with a wrist injury and will go on injured reserve if he clears waivers. Caldwell, who didn’t play last year and is in his fifth season, had a tryout from the Jaguars in May, but wasn’t signed. … According to a ranking by Bloguin.com, Jaguars owner Shad Khan is the most likable owner in the NFL. … After about 10 minutes on Wednesday, the Jaguars had to leave the field because of stormy weather and conducted the rest of their walk-through in the Cool Zone under the south end zone stands.